Dynamic iconic setting indicator

ABSTRACT

A media type currently associated with a multiple media player device is determined by the multiple media player device. A current setting status associated with each of a set of adjustable options associated with the determined media type is determined. A set of option icons that each represents one of the set of adjustable options is identified. Each identified option icon is paired with the associated current setting status of each adjustable option. A menuing input is detected. An overlay user interface menu, including only one option icon and the associated current setting status pair, is displayed over full-screen content on a display. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED DOCUMENTS

This application is related to concurrently filed U.S. utility patentapplication Ser. No. 12/877,454, titled “MINIMAL AND PREFERENTIAL OPTIONUSER INTERFACE,” and concurrently filed U.S. design patent applicationSer. No. 29/369,421, titled “PROGRESSIVE PLAYER OPTIONS MENU,” which areboth incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

COPYRIGHT AND TRADEMARK NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialwhich is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction of the patent document or thepatent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Officepatent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rightswhatsoever. Trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

BACKGROUND

User interfaces for televisions and other user interface devices havehierarchical menu structures. User interface windows are sometimesnested within such a hierarchical menu structure. User interface windowsare populated with words and/or icons that describe the associatedinformation. A user of such a user interface may navigate to submenuswithin the user interface to determine settings. The user furthernavigates to another hierarchical level within the user interfacehierarchical structure to change the settings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Certain illustrative embodiments illustrating organization and method ofoperation, together with objects and advantages may be best understoodby reference detailed description that follows taken in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example of a system including a media playerdevice that provides automated dynamic iconic setting indicators and anautomated minimal and preferential option user interface for atelevision device consistent with certain embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example core processing module thatprovides automated dynamic iconic setting indicators and an automatedminimal and preferential option user interface consistent with certainembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of an example of an implementation of aminimal and preferential option user interface for display of dynamiciconic setting indicators consistent with certain embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a first example progression of an exampleof an implementation of the minimal and preferential option userinterface of FIG. 3, including a control pane for adjustment of anoption, consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a second example progression of an exampleof an implementation of the minimal and preferential option userinterface of FIG. 4, including additional dynamic iconic settingindicators for additional adjustable options displayed in response touser input consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a third example progression of an exampleof an implementation of the minimal and preferential option userinterface of FIG. 5 that has been vertically modulo scrolled (e.g.,rotated) in response to detection of user input consistent with certainembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of an example of an implementation of a processthat provides automated dynamic iconic setting indicators consistentwith certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of an example of an implementation of a processthat provides an automated minimal and preferential option userinterface consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9A is a flow chart of an example of initial processing of animplementation of process for automated dynamic iconic settingindicators consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9B is a flow chart of an example of additional processing of animplementation of process for automated dynamic iconic settingindicators consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart of an example of an implementation of a processthat provides an automated minimal and preferential option userinterface consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart of an example of an implementation of a processthat provides automated preferential input sequence learning consistentwith certain embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many differentforms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described indetail specific embodiments, with the understanding that the presentdisclosure of such embodiments is to be considered as an example of theprinciples and not intended to limit the invention to the specificembodiments shown and described. In the description below, likereference numerals are used to describe the same, similar orcorresponding parts in the several views of the drawings.

The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more thanone. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or morethan two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least asecond or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as used herein,are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled,” asused herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly,and not necessarily mechanically. The term “program” or “computerprogram” or similar terms, as used herein, is defined as a sequence ofinstructions designed for execution on a computer system. A “program,”or “computer program,” may include a subroutine, a function, aprocedure, an object method, an object implementation, in an executableapplication, an applet, a servlet, a source code, an object code, ashared library/dynamic load library and/or other sequence ofinstructions designed for execution on a computer system having one ormore processors.

The term “program,” as used herein, may also be used in a second context(the above definition being for the first context). In the secondcontext, the term is used in the sense of a “television program.” Inthis context, the term is used to mean any coherent sequence of audiovideo content such as those which would be interpreted as and reportedin an electronic program guide (EPG) as a single television program,without regard for whether the content is a movie, sporting event,segment of a multi-part series, news broadcast, etc. The term may alsobe interpreted to encompass commercial spots and other program-likecontent which may not be reported as a program in an electronic programguide.

Reference throughout this document to “one embodiment,” “certainembodiments,” “an embodiment,” “an implementation,” “an example” orsimilar terms means that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the example is included inat least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearancesof such phrases or in various places throughout this specification arenot necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, theparticular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined inany suitable manner in one or more embodiments without limitation.

The term “or” as used herein is to be interpreted as an inclusive ormeaning any one or any combination. Therefore, “A, B or C” means “any ofthe following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C.” Anexception to this definition will occur only when a combination ofelements, functions, steps or acts are in some way inherently mutuallyexclusive.

The present subject matter provides an automated dynamic iconic settingindicator. The automated dynamic iconic setting indicator provides readyaccess to setting status information without requiring a user of a userinterface of a television or other visual output device to navigatethrough a hierarchy of menus to access the setting status information.The automated dynamic iconic setting indicator further reduces displayscreen area requirements. Icons are used to present the setting status.The setting status icons are updated in real time in response to changesto the associated settings. The setting status icons are paired withoption icons to further reduce screen area requirements, whilepreserving information availability with a reduced display screenfootprint. The paired option icons and setting status icons aredisplayed within translucent graphical menu panes as a graphical overlayover full-screen content to further reduce content renderinginterruption.

The present subject matter also provides an automated minimal andpreferential option user interface. A user of a user interface of atelevision or other visual output device is provided with a number ofdifferent ways of accessing options with reduced display screen areaimpact. A non-hierarchical options menu is provided that works withavailable remote control device keys without requiring specific ornumerous keys to access and navigate the non-hierarchical options menu.Available options of the options menu are determined dynamically basedupon a media type currently accessed by a multiple media player device,as described in more detail below. For purposes of the presentdescription, a multiple media player device may include any devicecapable of accessing and rendering/playing multiple different mediatypes (e.g., still photographs, audio and video content, etc.).

Certain remote control devices may have direct access keys, whilecertain remote control devices may utilize directional keys (e.g., UParrow, DOWN arrow, LEFT arrow, and RIGHT arrow keys) to initiate displayof the options menu, to navigate to options, and to select options formodification without requiring a remote control with a high number ofdedicated input keys and without requiring navigation through amulti-level hierarchical menu structure. With the automated minimal andpreferential option user interface, a user may directly access a settingrather than going through a menu to find the setting. The options menulearns user input patterns and gives preferential treatment to apreferred usage method the user adopts. For touchscreen displayimplementations, user screen contact in areas relative to a displaylocation for the options menu, or portions thereof, may be detected andutilized to access and navigate additional portions of the options menu,to access and change adjustable options associated with thecurrently-accessed media type, and to navigate the non-hierarchicaloptions menu.

The non-hierarchical options menu may be displayed as a full-screencontent overlay options menu while reducing intrusion upon that renderedcontent. For example, the non-hierarchical options menu may be displayedalong a border and/or corner of an output display (e.g., lower leftcorner), and may further be translucent to allow content to be displayedthrough the setting options menu panes.

Further, if a setting was previously accessed or adjusted, that settingmay be changed to the default setting for display during a next menudisplay event. The menu option panels/windows (based upon the type ofmedia content as described in more detail below) may be progressivelypresented to the user in response to a variety of detected input keys orkey combinations. For example, in response to detection of a request todisplay a portion of a full-screen content overlay options menu of themedia player device, such as detection of an UP arrow key or a LEFTarrow key, the configured default setting graphical menu may bedisplayed without display of additional options. Alternatively, a firstkey press of a dedicated input key may cause display of a firstgraphical menu pane associated with the dedicated input key includingthe current setting status of an available adjustment over full-screencontent on a display. The first graphical menu pane may include asetting status icon paired with an option icon, as described above.Accordingly, in response to detection of a request to display a portionof a full-screen content overlay options menu of the media playerdevice, the configured default setting graphical menu or a dedicatedgraphical menu pane may be displayed without display of additionaloptions.

During subsequently detected key inputs, additional graphical menu panes(e.g., translucent graphical menu panes) may be displayed. For example,a second input key (e.g., a LEFT arrow key) may cause a first controlpane that includes an adjustment control for the associated currentsetting status to be displayed to a side of the first graphical menupane that includes the option icon and current setting status pair.Alternatively, the first graphical menu pane and the first control panemay be displayed coincident to detection of a single initial key input,such as a general input key or a dedicated input key.

Detection of an additional input key (e.g., an additional LEFT arrow keyor RIGHT arrow key) may cause an adjustment of the associated currentsetting status, such as rewinding of content in response to detection ofa LEFT arrow key input when the first graphical menu pane is associatedwith content rendering position. Detection of an additional input key(e.g., an UP arrow key or a DOWN arrow key) may cause additional menupanes associated with the status of other current settings associatedwith the currently-accessed media type to be displayed. Detection of anadditional input key (e.g., an UP arrow key or a DOWN arrow key) maycause the displayed menu panes to scroll vertically (or horizontally asappropriate for a given implementation), and a new control pane thatdisplays an option icon and current setting status pair of therespective setting may be displayed to a side of the menu pane that isthe new bottom menu pane (or top, per the given implementation).

The progressive display of options, from a display of a single optionsetting menu pane with a single icon pair to change a single setting ifonly one setting is requested, through the display of additional optionsin response to additional non-hierarchical navigation inputs, furtherreduces the display area requirements of the non-hierarchical optionsmenu. These features allow for reduced intrusion and interruption of therendered full-screen content while overlaying the information requestedby a user.

The non-hierarchical options menu may further be dynamically populatedbased upon a media type of content media currently accessed via themedia player device. For example, where the accessed content is acollection of photographs, video content adjustment options, such ascontrast, brightness, and other video options may be dynamically madeavailable for adjustment. Alternatively, where the accessed content isaudio and video content, audio adjustment options may also be madeavailable, such as volume, tone, and balance. Accordingly, anon-hierarchical options menu may further be dynamically populated basedupon a media type of content media currently accessed via the mediaplayer device.

Display of the additional graphical menu panes in response to detectionof additional user input(s) may be arranged, for example, as a stackedcolumn of translucent graphical menu panes. The stacked column may bescrolled vertically in a modulo manner in response to additionaldetected key inputs. For purposes of the present description, the term“modulo” scrolling refers to scrolling multiple user interface elements,in this case the example stacked column of translucent graphical menupanes, by displaying one of the multiple user interface elements in aninteractive display location on a display surface (e.g., at a bottom ofthe stack) and scrolling each user interface elements to thatinteractive display location in response to one or more detected userinputs. Where the interactive display location is located at the bottomof a display screen, a previously displayed user interface element maysequentially move to a top of the stack, or to a location within thestack immediately above the interactive display location, depending uponthe user input scrolling direction (e.g., up or down, respectively).Alternatively, where the interactive location is located at the top of adisplay screen, a previously displayed user interface element maysequentially move to a bottom of the stack, or to a location within thestack immediately below the interactive display location, depending uponthe user input scrolling direction (e.g., down or up, respectively). Assuch, the stacked column may be modulo scrolled repeatedly andinteractively through each graphical menu pane. Any user interfaceelement at the interactive display location may be interacted with bythe user and in response to detection of additional user inputs. Withinthe present example, only a bottom graphical menu pane in the stack mayhave a control pane displayed in association with it. As such, thenon-hierarchical options menu may form a right angle along a bottom ortop corner of a display screen and may be modulo scrolled relative tothe display location of the bottom graphical menu pane, as describedabove and in more detail below.

Further, auto-scrolling capabilities provide for automated moduloscrolling and automated adjustment of adjustable options in response tocertain detected key inputs. For example, a LEFT arrow key may beassigned (e.g., as a configuration option or over time, for example, inresponse to detected user inputs) as a default key for rewindingaudio/video content and/or a RIGHT arrow key may be assigned as adefault key for fast forwarding audio/video content. Within thisexample, if a previous access to the non-hierarchical options menuresulted in adjustment of a video setting via a displayed video settinggraphical menu pane, then detection of an UP arrow key or a DOWN arrowkey may re-open the non-hierarchical options menu to the video settinggraphical menu pane. However, detection of a LEFT arrow key or a RIGHTarrow key may cause the multiple media player device to automaticallyscroll the non-hierarchical options menu to a graphical menu paneassociated with content rendering position adjustable option. If thedetected key was a LEFT arrow key, the multiple media player device maybegin to automatically rewind the content. Additionally, if the detectedkey was a RIGHT arrow key, the multiple media player device may begin toautomatically fast forward the content. Therefore, by using a single keyinput associated with a portion of the full-screen content overlayoptions menu of the multiple media player device relating to a rewind(or other function), the associated portion of the full-screen contentoverlay options menu immediately appears without going through asequence of keystrokes. Many other variations on automated scrolling andadjustable option adjustment are possible and all are considered withinthe scope of the present subject matter.

Based upon the description herein, the progressively renderednon-hierarchical options menu may be displayed with increasingquantities of information and settings options in response to sequencesof detected input selections. Accordingly, the progressively renderednon-hierarchical options menu reduces screen clutter and allows a userto specifically request access to additional setting options. It isfurther understood that while the examples described herein representthe non-hierarchical options menu as a vertically stacked progressivelyrendered collection of translucent graphical menu panes, othervariations are possible (e.g., a horizontal array of translucentgraphical menu panes) and all such variations are considered within thescope of the present subject matter.

Turning now to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example of a system 100including a media player device 102 that provides automated dynamiciconic setting indicators and an automated minimal and preferentialoption user interface for a television 104. While the present exampleillustrates the media player device 102 and the television 104 asseparate components, the respective devices may be combined, as in theexample of FIG. 2 below, without departure from the scope of the presentsubject matter. As such, a system, such as the system 100, may form aportion of a handheld consumer electronics device or other devicewithout departure from the scope of the present subject matter.

A display 106 provides visual and/or other information to a user of thetelevision 104. As can be seen from FIG. 1, a full-screen display image108 is shown on the display 106. As will be described in more detailbelow, the present subject matter provides the automated dynamic iconicsetting indicators and the automated minimal and preferential optionuser interface as a translucent overlay on top of the full-screencontent to reduce interference and interruption of the renderedfull-screen display image 108.

The display 106 may include any type of display device, such as acathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD), light emittingdiode (LED), projection or other display element or panel. The display106 may also include a touchscreen display, such as a touchscreendisplay associated with a handheld consumer electronics device thatincludes the media player 102 and a touchscreen input device.

An infrared input device 110 provides input capabilities for the user ofthe television 104 via a device, such as an infrared remote controldevice 112. For purposes of the present subject matter, it is understoodthat dedicated input keys on the remote control device 112 for accessingoptions and option settings are not required. However, dedicated inputkeys may be provided as appropriate for a given implementation.

An audio output device 114 provides audio output capabilities for thetelevision 104, such as audio associated with rendered content. Theaudio output device 114 may include a pair of speakers, drivercircuitry, and interface circuitry as appropriate for a givenimplementation.

A light emitting diode (LED) output module 116 provides one or moreoutput LEDs and associated driver circuitry for signaling certain eventsor acknowledgements to a user of the television 104. Many possibilitiesexist for communicating information to a user via LED signaling and allare considered within the scope of the present subject matter.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example core processing module 200 thatprovides automated dynamic iconic setting indicators and an automatedminimal and preferential option user interface. As described above, thepresent subject matter may be performed via a device, such as the mediaplayer device 102, or the media player device 102 combined with adisplay device, such as the television 104. For purposes of the presentexample, the functionality of the media player device 102 and thetelevision 104 are combined into the core processing module 200, such asa combined core module of a handheld consumer electronics device.

A processor 202 provides computer instruction execution, computation,and other capabilities within the core processing module 200. Theinfrared input device 110 is shown and again provides input capabilitiesfor the user of the television 104 via a device, such as the infraredremote control device 112 (See FIG. 1).

The audio output device 114 is illustrated and again provides audiooutput capabilities for the core processing module 200. The audio outputdevice 114 may include one or more speakers, driver circuitry, andinterface circuitry as appropriate for a given implementation.

A tuner/decoder module 204 receives television (e.g., audio/video)content and decodes that content for display via the display 106. Thecontent may include content formatted either via any of the motionpicture expert group (MPEG) standards, or content formatted in any othersuitable format for reception by the tuner/decoder module 204. Thetuner/decoder module 204 may include additional controller circuitry inthe form of application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), antennas,processors, and/or discrete integrated circuits and components forperforming electrical control activities associated with thetuner/decoder module 204 for tuning to and decoding content receivedeither via wireless or wired connections to the core processing module200.

A communication module 206 may alternatively provide communicationcapabilities for the core processing module 200, such as for retrievalof still image content, audio and video content, or other content via asatellite, cable, storage media, the Internet, or other contentprovider, and other activities as appropriate for a givenimplementation. The communication module 206 may support wired orwireless standards as appropriate for a given implementation. Examplewired standards include Internet video link (IVL) interconnection withina home network, for example, such as Sony Corporation's Bravia® InternetVideo Link (BIVL™) Example wireless standards include cellular wirelesscommunication and Bluetooth® wireless communication standards. Manyother wired and wireless communication standards are possible and allare considered within the scope of the present subject matter.

A memory 208 includes a media types and setting options storage area210. The media types and setting options storage area 210 may storeinformation, such as available media types for rendering via the coreprocessing module 200 and setting options associated with availablemedia types associated with the present subject matter. Available mediatypes may be updated periodically along with the associated settingoptions, such as via the communication module 206.

A setting status storage area 212 may store information, such as currentsettings for a currently accessed media type rendered via the coreprocessing module 200. An option icons storage area 214 may storeinformation, such as graphical icons for available setting optionsassociated with available media types that may be rendered via the coreprocessing module 200. A setting status icons storage area 216 may storeinformation, such as graphical icons for available setting statusconfigurations associated with available media types that may berendered via the core processing module 200.

As described above and in more detail below, option icons and settingstatus icons may be paired and displayed in association with currentlyrendered content to provide detailed setting information with reducedscreen area impact. As such, an option icon and setting status iconpairs storage area 218 may store information, such as paired option andsetting status graphical icons for available setting options associatedwith available media types that may be rendered via the core processingmodule 200.

A menu panes storage area 220 may store information, such as translucentgraphical menu panes and graphical control panes for use in associationwith icon pair display and adjustment controls display, respectively,associated with available media types that may be rendered via the coreprocessing module 200. An assembled menu storage area 222 may storeinformation, such as translucent graphical menu panes and graphicalcontrol panes associated with a current state of progressive display ofa progressively rendered non-hierarchical options menu, as describedabove an in more detail below.

A display coordinates storage area 224 may store information, such asdisplay coordinates for each menu pane or control pane associated with acurrent state of progressive display of a progressively renderednon-hierarchical options menu. As described above an in more detailbelow, graphical menu panes may be progressively created and populatedin response to detected user inputs. Further, displayed menu panes maybe modulo scrolled, either vertically or horizontally, as appropriatefor a given implementation. As such, the display coordinates storagearea 224 may store coordinate information for currently-renderedgraphical menu and control panes.

It is understood that the memory 208 may include any combination ofvolatile and non-volatile memory suitable for the intended purpose,distributed or localized as appropriate, and may include other memorysegments not illustrated within the present example for ease ofillustration purposes. For example, the memory 208 may include a codestorage area, a code execution area, and a data area without departurefrom the scope of the present subject matter.

An overlay menu construction and processing module 226 is alsoillustrated. The overlay menu construction and processing module 226provides creation and processing capabilities for the core processingmodule 200, as described above and in more detail below. The overlaymenu construction and processing module 226 implements the automateddynamic iconic setting indicator and the automated minimal andpreferential option user interface of the core processing module 200. Itshould be noted, however, that though the core processing module 200 andthe overlay menu construction and processing module 226 are illustratedand described to provide both the automated dynamic iconic settingindicator and the automated minimal and preferential option userinterface, this should not be considered limiting. A givenimplementation of the present subject matter may include either theautomated dynamic iconic setting indicator or the automated minimal andpreferential option user interface, without a requirement forimplementation of both aspects of the present subject matter and withoutdeparture from the scope of the present subject matter.

It should be noted that the overlay menu construction and processingmodule 226, the tuner/decoder module 204, and the communication module206 are illustrated as a component-level modules for ease ofillustration and description purposes. It is also understood that eachof these modules may include any hardware, programmed processor(s), andmemory used to carry out the functions of the respective module. Forexample, each of the overlay menu construction and processing module226, the tuner/decoder module 204, and the communication module 206 mayinclude additional controller circuitry in the form of applicationspecific integrated circuits (ASICs), processors, antenna(s), and/ordiscrete integrated circuits and components for performing electricalcontrol activities associated with the respective module. Additionally,the overlay menu construction and processing module 226, thetuner/decoder module 204, and the communication module 206 may includeinterrupt-level, stack-level, and application-level modules asappropriate. Furthermore, the overlay menu construction and processingmodule 226, the tuner/decoder module 204, and the communication module206 may include any memory components used for storage, execution, anddata processing by these modules for performing processing activitiesassociated with the respective module.

It should also be noted that the overlay menu construction andprocessing module 226 may form a portion of other circuitry describedwithout departure from the scope of the present subject matter. Further,the overlay menu construction and processing module 226 mayalternatively be implemented as an application stored within the memory208. In such an implementation, the overlay menu construction andprocessing module 226 may include instructions executed by the processor202 for performing the functionality described herein. The processor 202may execute these instructions to provide the processing capabilitiesdescribed above and in more detail below for the core processing module200. The overlay menu construction and processing module 226 may form aportion of an interrupt service routine (ISR), a portion of an operatingsystem, a portion of a browser application, or a portion of a separateapplication without departure from the scope of the present subjectmatter.

The processor 202, the infrared input device 110, the audio outputdevice 114, the tuner/decoder module 204, the communication module 206,the memory 208, and the overlay menu construction and processing module226 are interconnected via one or more interconnections shown asinterconnection 228 for ease of illustration. The interconnection 228may include a system bus, a network, or any other interconnectioncapable of providing the respective components with suitableinterconnection for the respective purpose.

FIG. 3 through FIG. 6 below illustrate an example display sequenceassociated with the automated dynamic iconic setting indicators and theautomated minimal and preferential option user interface as atranslucent overlay on top of the full-screen content. Many othervariations on the example display sequence are possible and all areconsidered within the scope of the present subject matter.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of an example of an implementation of aminimal and preferential option user interface 300 for display ofdynamic iconic setting indicators. As described above, a media typepresently associated with the media player device 102 may be detected.For purposes of the present example, it is assumed that the media typedetected is audio and video content received via a live audio/videofeed. It is also assumed that a user of a remote control device, such asthe remote control device 112, entered, for example, an UP arrow key,associated with the remote control device. However, a dedicated key orother input key may also have been selected. In either situation, thecore processing module 200 detected the selection and recognized arequest to display a portion of a full-screen content overlay optionsmenu of the media player device 102.

In response to detecting the request, a graphical menu pane 302 thatincludes an option icon 304 that represents the adjustable option forthe media player device 102 is displayed. A current setting status 306represents the current setting status of television (e.g., “TV” withinthe present example). As such, within the present example, the mediaplayer device 102 is assumed to be accessing audio and video content viaa broadcast medium (e.g., satellite, cable, open air signaling, etc.)and a television channel. In other situations, the media player device102 may be accessing recorded digital video or streamed digital videoreceived via a home or wide area network (e.g., the Internet). Theoption icon 304 is represented, within the present example, as a grid tointuitively provide an indication to a user that selections/adjustmentsof a selected channel or input source are possible.

As can also be seen from FIG. 3, the graphical menu pane 302 istranslucent and a portion of the full-screen display image 108 can beseen through the graphical menu pane 302. The graphical menu pane 302 isalso shown displayed within a lower right corner of the display 106.However, any other display location may be used, such as an upper rightcorner, a lower left corner, or an upper left corner without departurefrom the scope of the present subject matter.

By translucent display of the graphical menu pane 302 and by displayingthe graphical menu pane 302 in a corner of the display 106, thegraphical menu pane 302 reduces obstruction of the full-screen displayimage 108. The user may further interact with the minimal andpreferential option user interface 300 to adjust a currently-selectedtelevision channel, input source, or to obtain more options, asdescribed in more detail below. In addition, the degree of translucencemay be a parameter that can be user controlled by a menu selection.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a first example progression of an exampleof an implementation of the minimal and preferential option userinterface 300 of FIG. 3, including a control pane 308 for adjustment ofan option. Within the present example, the option that may be adjustedin association with the graphical menu pane 302 includes achannel/change adjustment option. As such, the control pane 308 includesseveral graphical channel option panes 707, 708, 709, 710, and 711. Forpurposes of the present example, each of the graphical channel optionpanes 707-711 represents a television channel that may be selected. Eachof the graphical channel option panes 707-711 includes a channel logo(represented within FIG. 4 as a cross-hatched box without referencedesignators or actual broadcast station logos for ease of illustration).

An up arrow icon 310, a down arrow icon 312, a left arrow icon 314, anda right arrow icon 316 are also displayed in association with thecontrol pane 308. As such, the user is intuitively notified that use ofarrow keys associated with a remote control device, such as the remotecontrol device 112, provides additional navigation options for the userin association with the minimal and preferential option user interface300. For example, by use of either a RIGHT arrow key or a LEFT arrow keyof a remote control device, again such as the remote control device 112,a user may scroll through the graphical channel option panes 707-711. Itis further assumed for purposes of the present example that thegraphical channel option panes 707-711 represent all available channeloptions and fit on the display 106. For implementations with a smalldisplay, such as a handheld consumer electronics device, or where morechannel options are available, display area may be reduced by displayinga few graphical channel option panes and displaying an icon, such as theleft arrow icon 314, to a left side of the available channel options.Many other variations on the present example are possible and all areconsidered within the scope of the present subject matter.

Where additional channels are available, additional graphical channeloption panes may be presented and other of the graphical channel optionpanes 707-711 may be removed from the display 106 to reduce screenclutter and reduce obstruction of the full-screen display image 108. Aswith display of the graphical menu pane 302, the control pane 308 andthe graphical channel option panes 707-711 are translucent and thefull-screen display image 108 can be seen through the control pane 308and through the graphical channel option panes 709, 710, and 711 withinthe present example.

It should be noted that the present example illustrates the graphicalmenu pane 302 displayed in response to a first detected user input andthe control pane 308 displayed in response to a second detected userinput for purposes of description. However, it is understood that thegraphical menu pane 302 and the control pane 308 may be displayedconcurrently in response to a single detected user input, as appropriatefor a given implementation.

By use of either an UP arrow key or a DOWN arrow key of a remote controldevice, a user may indicate a request to view additional adjustableoptions, as described below beginning in association with FIG. 5.Accordingly, the minimal and preferential option user interface 300detects user requests to provide an increasing number of options andadjustments for the detected media type presently associated with themedia player device 102.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a second example progression of an exampleof an implementation of the minimal and preferential option userinterface 300 of FIG. 4, including additional dynamic iconic settingindicators for additional adjustable options displayed in response touser input. The full-screen display image 108 is not shown within FIG. 5to reduce drawing complexity, though the full-screen display image 108reference designator is retained for clarity.

Within the present example, it is assumed that a user selection ofeither an UP arrow key or a DOWN arrow key of a remote control devicewas detected. In response to detection that a remote control key inputrepresenting either an UP arrow key or a DOWN arrow key has beendepressed by a user, a stack of paired identified option icons and anassociated current setting status of each adjustable option is displayedproximate to a vertical edge of the display 106. It is further assumedfor purposes of the present example that dynamic iconic settingindicators for all available adjustable options fit on the display 106.For implementations with a small display, such as a handheld consumerelectronics device, display area may be reduced by displaying a fewdynamic iconic setting indicators and displaying an icon, such as the uparrow icon 310, above a partial stack of dynamic iconic settingindicators for available adjustable options. Many other variations onthe present example are possible and all are considered within the scopeof the present subject matter.

As described above, the choice of adjustable options is identified andselected for user adjustment via the minimal and preferential optionuser interface 300 based upon a media type that is detected to bepresently accessed by the media player device 102. As also describedabove, the display of paired option icons and current setting status foravailable adjustable options reduces screen area requirements fordisplay of options and provides real-time current setting status outputso that a user may quickly determine a current setting of a givenadjustable option for the currently-accessed media type. The currentsetting status may be changed, as described above, and a new currentsetting status may be displayed that dynamically changes in response touser adjustment of a given option. The current setting status of theavailable options may be displayed as a graphical output or text, asappropriate for a given implementation or option.

Within the present example, audio and video content includes certainrepresentative adjustment options. Each adjustment option is representedby a translucent graphical menu pane. Certain options may include binarysetting status options, such as enabled or disabled, on or off, etc. Afavorites graphical menu pane 318 includes a favorites option icon 320paired with a current favorites setting status 322. The currentfavorites setting status 322 may be displayed, for example, as a greencircle (illustrated within the present example as a cross-hatchedcircle). A closed-caption graphical menu pane 324 includes aclosed-caption option icon 326 paired with a current closed-captionsetting status 328. A ratings graphical menu pane 330 includes a ratingsoption icon 332 paired with a current ratings setting status 334. Thecurrent ratings setting status 334 shows that the current audio andvideo content represented by is rated a three and a half (e.g., 3.5) outof a scale of zero (0) to five (5) within the present example.

A screen width graphical menu pane 336 includes a screen width optionicon 338 paired with a current screen width setting status 340. Thecurrent screen width setting status 340 shows the user that the currentsetting status of the screen width adjustment is wide (e.g., W). Aresolution graphical menu pane 342 includes a resolution option icon 344paired with a current resolution setting status 346. The currentresolution setting status 346 shows that the current setting is vivid(e.g., V).

A volume graphical menu pane 348 includes a volume option icon 350paired with a current volume setting status 352. The current volumesetting status 352 shows that the volume is currently adjusted toforty-three percent (43%) of a maximum volume setting. A play pointgraphical menu pane 354 includes a play point option icon 356 pairedwith a current play point setting status 358. The current play pointsetting status 358 shows that the currently selected audio and videocontent is at a twenty-nine percent (29%) completion from a beginning ofthe content. Each of the volume setting status and the current playpoint setting status may be considered a proportional setting status forpurposes of the present description, including a numeral followed by apercent sign.

By use of either an UP arrow key or a DOWN arrow key of a remote controldevice, a user may indicate a request to scroll the displayed adjustmentoptions, as described below beginning in association with FIG. 6.Accordingly, the minimal and preferential option user interface 300detects user requests to navigate to additional displayed adjustmentoptions for the detected media type presently associated with the mediaplayer device 102.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a third example progression of an exampleof an implementation of the minimal and preferential option userinterface 300 of FIG. 5 that has been vertically modulo scrolled (e.g.,rotated) in response to detection of user input. For purposes of thepresent example, it is assumed that detection of either one DOWN arrowkey input or seven UP arrow key presses were detected. In response todetection of each respective input key, the minimal and preferentialoption user interface 300 is scrolled in a modulo manner (e.g., one timefor each input) to allow the user an opportunity to adjust eachavailable adjustable option. A control pane may be displayed to a side,within the present example to a left side, of each graphical menu paneas the minimal and preferential option user interface 300 is displayed.

A control pane 360 includes a play point control element 362 thatgraphically represents the current play point location. It is furtherassumed that in response to display of the play point graphical menupane 354 and the control pane 360, a user input of a LEFT arrow key wasdetected and that content rendering rewind was performed in response tothe detected input to a display location of twenty-one percent (21%). Itis additionally assumed that detection of the LEFT arrow key terminatedwhen the content rewind reached the twenty-one percent (21%) play point.It is noted that the current play point setting status 358 may beupdated in real time during rewind or fast forward operations to reflecteach incremental change to the current play point, ending at thetwenty-one percent (21%) within the present example.

Accordingly, the minimal and preferential option user interface 300reduces obstruction of the full-screen content by displaying an overlayuser interface menu as a stack of the paired identified option icons andthe associated current setting status of each adjustable optionproximate to a vertical edge of the display. It is noted that where aninitial graphical menu pane is displayed at another corner of a displaydevice, the stack of paired identified option icon and the associatedcurrent setting status may be displayed either horizontally orvertically in relation to the initial graphical menu pane displaylocation.

Further, where the display device is a touchscreen device, detection ofuser contact with a surface of certain portions of the display device,such as display locations proximate to the graphical elements describedabove, may cause the menu display and adjustments described above. Manyother variations on the menu organization and display options describedabove are possible and all are considered within the scope of thepresent subject matter.

FIG. 7 through FIG. 11 below describe example processes that may beexecuted by such devices, such as the media player device 102, toperform the automated dynamic iconic setting indicators and theautomated minimal and preferential option user interface associated withthe present subject matter. Many other variations on the exampleprocesses are possible and all are considered within the scope of thepresent subject matter. The example processes may be performed bymodules, such as the overlay menu construction and processing module 226and/or executed by the processor 202, associated with such devices. Itshould be noted that time out procedures and other error controlprocedures are not illustrated within the example processes describedbelow for ease of illustration purposes. However, it is understood thatall such procedures are considered to be within the scope of the presentsubject matter.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of an example of an implementation of a process700 that provides automated dynamic iconic setting indicators. Theprocess 700 starts at 702. At block 704, the process 700 determines, viaa multiple media player device, a media type currently associated withthe multiple media player device. At block 706, the process 700determines a current setting status associated with each of a pluralityof adjustable options associated with the determined media type. Atblock 708, the process 700 identifies a plurality of option icons thateach represents one of the plurality of adjustable options. At block710, the process 700 pairs each identified option icon with theassociated current setting status of each adjustable option. At block712, the process 700 detects a menuing input. At block 714, the process700 displays, over full-screen content on a display, an overlay userinterface menu comprising only one option icon and the associatedcurrent setting status pair.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of an example of an implementation of a process800 that provides an automated minimal and preferential option userinterface. The process 800 starts at 802. At block 804, the process 800detects, via the multiple media player device, a request to display aportion of a full-screen content overlay options menu of the multiplemedia player device, where the portion of the full-screen contentoverlay options menu comprises less than all of the full-screen contentoverlay options menu. At block 806, the process 800 determines a mediatype of content media currently accessed via the multiple media playerdevice. At block 808, the process 800 determines a current settingstatus of an available adjustment of the multiple media player deviceassociated with the portion of the full-screen content overlay optionsmenu based upon the determined media type of content media currentlyaccessed via the multiple media player device. At block 810, the process800 displays a first graphical menu pane of the full-screen contentoverlay options menu comprising the current setting status of theavailable adjustment over full-screen content on a display.

FIGS. 9A-9B illustrate a flow chart of an example of an implementationof process 900 for automated dynamic iconic setting indicators. FIG. 9Aillustrates initial processing within the process 900. The process 900starts at 902. At decision point 904, the process 900 makes adetermination as to whether a menu selection has been detected. Asdescribed above, a menu selection may be detected in association withdetection of user input from a remote control device or touchscreendisplay. That input may include detection of a dedicated key input or anarrow key input of the remote control device or detection of usercontact of the display surface of a touchscreen display.

In response to determining that a menu selection has been detected atdecision point 904, the process 900 determines a media type of thecontent currently being accessed at block 906. At block 908, the process900 determines available adjustable options based upon the determinedmedia type that is currently being accessed. At block 910, the process900 determines a setting status of the available options for the mediatype. At block 912, the process 900 identifies an option icon for eachadjustable option. At block 914, the process 900 selects or creates asetting status icon for each setting status. As described above, acurrent status for each adjustable option may be displayed as an icon.For adjustable options with a limited number of status options, iconsmay be stored and selected. Storage and selection of setting statusicons may also be utilized for implementations with sufficient memoryfor storage of setting status icons for adjustable options with a largenumber of status options. Alternatively, setting status icons may becreated dynamically in response to the determined setting status of anygiven adjustable option. For example, where a setting status isrepresented as a percentage, a setting status icon may be created basedupon the determined percentage.

At block 916, the process 900 pairs each identified option icon witheach associated setting status icon. At block 918, the process 900displays an overlay user interface menu with only the paired optionicons and setting status icons. It should be noted that, as describedabove, display of the overlay user interface menu may be progressive inresponse to user input. The progressive nature of the display of thepaired option icon and setting status icons is omitted from the process900 for ease of description. FIG. 10 described below further illustratesthe progressive display processing associated with the present subjectmatter. As such, for purposes of the description of the process 900, oneor more pairs of identified option icons and setting status icons may bedisplayed. Where more than one pair of option icons and setting statusicons are displayed, they may be displayed in a stacked relationship orotherwise as described above.

At block 920, the process 900 sets an input focus to a bottom icon pairwithin the displayed overlay user interface menu. At block 922, theprocess 900 identifies a control pane for the bottom icon pair. At block924, the process 900 displays the identified control pane to a side ofthe bottom icon pair. As described above, where the stacked overlay userinterface menu is displayed along a right side of a display device, thecontrol pane may be displayed to a left side of the bottom icon pair, oralternatively as appropriate for a given implementation.

At decision point 926, the process 900 makes a determination as towhether user input has been detected that indicates a request to scrollthe stacked pair option icons and setting status icons. As describedabove, user input indicative of a request to scroll the stacked iconpairs may include an UP arrow key input or a DOWN arrow key input for avertically-stacked overlay user interface menu. Alternatively, for atouchscreen implementation, detection of user contact in an area of adisplay surface relative to displayed portions of the overlay userinterface menu may be detected and processed to indicate a user requestto scroll the stacked icon pairs.

In response to determining that a user input indicating a request toscroll the vertically-stacked overlay user interface menu has beendetected, the process 900 vertically scroll the icon pair stack at block928. The process 900 returns to block 920 and iterates as describedabove.

Returning to the description of decision point 926, in response todetermining that user input indicating a request to scroll the stackedicon pairs has not been detected, the process 900 makes a determinationat decision point 930 as to whether a request to highlight the displayedcontrol pane has been detected. As described above, a request tohighlight the displayed control pane may be detected in association withdetection of a LEFT arrow key input or a touchscreen input in an areaassociated with the displayed control pane.

In response to determining that a request to highlight the displayedcontrol pane has been detected at decision point 930, the process 900transitions to the processing shown and described in association withFIG. 9B.

FIG. 9B illustrates additional processing associated with the process900 for automated dynamic iconic setting indicators. At block 932, theprocess 900 shifts input focus to the displayed control pane. Atdecision point 934, the process 900 makes a determination as to whetheran adjustment input has been detected. As described above, an adjustmentinput may include, for example, a LEFT arrow key input associated withrewinding rendered content or a touchscreen input to a left side of aplay point control element, such as the play point control element 362.Alternatively, an adjustment input may include, for example, a LEFTarrow key input followed by a SELECT key input or other input sequenceas appropriated for a given implementation. Accordingly, a variety ofuser inputs and user input sequences may be detected in association withthe determination at decision point 934 as to whether an adjustmentinput has been detected based upon the given adjustment optionassociated with the currently-displayed control pane.

In response to determining at decision point 934 that an adjustmentinput has been detected, the process 900 adjusts the selected settingbased upon the detected adjustment at block 936. At block 938, theprocess 900 determines an updated setting status for the option basedupon the adjustment. At block 940, the process 900 selects or creates asetting status icon for the updated setting status. At block 942, theprocess 900 updates the display of the current setting status with theselected or created setting status icon.

In response to determining at decision point 934 that an adjustmentinput has not been detected, or upon updating the display of the currentsetting status with the selected or created setting status icon at block942, the process 900 makes a determination at decision point 944 as towhether a request to un-highlight the displayed control pane has beendetected. For example, one or more RIGHT arrow key inputs may bedetected or a touchscreen input to a display area associated with thebottom icon pair, resulting in navigation within the displayed overlayuser interface menu back to the bottom icon pair. In response todetermining that a request to un-highlight the control pane has not beendetected, the process 900 returns to decision point 934 and iterates asdescribed above.

In response to determining that a request to un-highlight the controlpane has been detected at decision point 944, the process 900 shiftsfocus to the bottom icon pair at block 946. The process 900 transitionsback to the processing described within FIG. 9A.

At decision point 948, the process 900 makes a determination as towhether a request to exit the displayed menu has been detected. Arequest to exit the displayed menu has been detected for example, inresponse to detection of an EXIT key input from a remote control deviceor detection of a touchscreen input in an area of a display screensurface, such as a corner of the display screen surface diagonallyopposite a display corner of the bottom icon pair. Many otherpossibilities exist for detection of a request to exit the displayedmenu and all are considered within the scope of the present subjectmatter. In response to determining that a request to exit the displayedmenu has not been detected, the process 900 returns to decision point926 and iterates as described above. In response to determining that arequest to exit the displayed menu has been detected, the process 900clears the menu from the display at block 950. The process 900 returnsto decision point 904 to await detection of a new user input associatedwith menu selection.

Accordingly, the process 900 determines a media type currently accessedby a media player device and determines available adjustable optionsbased upon the media type. Option icons for each available adjustableoption are paired with associated setting status icons representingcurrent setting status of each adjustable option. The process 900iteratively processes adjustment inputs for the adjustable options andupdates the current setting status in real time.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart of an example of an implementation of a process1000 that provides an automated minimal and preferential option userinterface. The process 1000 starts at 1002. At block 1004, the process1000 makes a determination as to whether a partial menu request has beenreceived. As described above, a partial menu request may be a request todisplay a single option icon and current setting status icon pair. Whena determination is made a decision point 1004 that a partial menurequest has been detected, the process 1000 determines a media type ofthe content currently accessed at block 1006. At block 1008, the process1000 determines a current setting status of the available adjustableoption associated with the requested portion of the menu. The currentsetting status may be a default setting status, such as volume, or otherpreferential setting status as appropriate for a given implementation.

At block 1010, the process 1000 displays a graphical menu pane with thecurrent setting status and the associated option icon. As describedabove, the current setting status may be populated or a current settingstatus icon may be created or selected to represent the current settingstatus. At block 1012, the process 1000 displays a control pane with anadjustment control to a side of the graphical menu pane.

At decision point 1014, the process 1000 makes a determination as towhether an adjustment input has been detected. An adjustment input maybe detected in response to a variety of user inputs as described abovein association with other user inputs. In response to determining thatan adjustment input has been detected, the process 1000 adjusts thecurrent setting based upon the detected adjustment input at block 1016.At block 1018, the process 1000 determines an adjusted setting statusbased upon the adjustment. At block 1020, the process 1000 updates thecontrol pane and the graphical menu pane with the adjusted settingstatus.

In response to updating the control pane at block 1020 or in response todetermining that an adjustment input has not been detected at decisionpoint 1014, the process 1000 makes a determination at decision point1022 as to whether an additional options request has been detected.Detection of a request for additional options may include detection ofan UP arrow key or a DOWN arrow key detection, or a touchscreen inputassociated with a display screen area above the displayed graphical menupane. In response to determining that an additional options request hasbeen detected at decision point 1022, the process 1000 determines acurrent setting status of remaining options based upon thecurrently-accessed media type at block 1024. At block 1026, the process1000 displays additional graphical menu panes with remaining currentsetting statuses for each additional adjustable option.

In response to displaying the additional graphical menu panes at block1026, or in response to determining that an additional options requesthas not been detected at decision point 1022, the process 1000 makes adetermination at decision point 1028 as to whether a request to scrollthe displayed additional graphical menu panes has been detected. Arequest to scroll the displayed additional menu panes may include an UParrow key or a DOWN arrow key detection. This input to request scrollingof the displayed additional graphical menu panes may further be the sameas the input key detection for determining whether additional optionshave been requested. As such, a reduced number of input keys may beutilized to perform the respective operations. The request to scroll thedisplayed additional menu panes may include a touchscreen inputassociated with a display screen area above the displayed additionalmenu panes or associated with a displayed icon, such as the up arrowicon 310 or the down arrow icon 312.

In response to determining that a request to scroll the displayedadditional graphical menu panes has been detected at decision point1028, the process 1000 vertically scrolls the displayed graphical menupane at block 1030. The process 1000 returns to block 1010 to display anew graphical menu pane and block 1012 to display a new control paneassociated with a new bottom graphical menu pane within the verticalstack, and iterates as described above.

In response to determining at decision point 1028 that a request toscroll the displayed additional graphical menu panes has not beendetected, the process 1000 makes a determination at decision point 1032as to whether a request to exit the options menu has been detected. Inresponse to determining that a request to exit the displayed optionsmenu has not been detected, the process 1000 returns to decision point1014 and iterates as described above. In response to determining that arequest to exit the displayed options menu has been detected at decisionpoint 1032, the process 1000 clears the menu from the display at block1034, and returns to decision point 1004 to await a request for a newpartial menu display.

As such, the process 1000 initially displays a minimal portion of a userinterface. The minimal portion initially displayed may be preferentialwith respect to either a last option adjusted or a dedicated defaultadjustment option, such as volume, or another preferential option asappropriate for a given implementation. The process 1000 incrementallyprovides more available adjustment options in response to user requests.As such, the minimal and preferential option user interface allows auser to quickly navigate to preferential options or additional optionswithout use of extensive display area or user input processing.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart of an example of an implementation of a process1100 that provides automated preferential input sequence learning.Detailed descriptions of input variations are omitted from the presentexample for ease of description purposes. However, it is understood thata variety of input options are possible, as described above, and all areconsidered within the scope of the present subject matter. The process1100 starts at 1102. At decision point 1104, the process 1100 makes adetermination as to whether a remote control device input has beendetected. In response to determining that a remote control device inputhas been detected, the process 1100 determines a remote control devicetype from the input signaling that has been detected at block 1106. Atblock 1108, the process 1100 selects a remote control input command mapto control a full-screen content overlay options menu. At block 1110,the process 1100 assigns a remote control input command from theselected map as a default remote control input command for accessing thefull-screen content overlay options menu.

At decision point 1112, the process 1100 makes a determination as towhether an additional remote control device input has been detected. Inresponse to determining that an additional remote control device inputhas been detected, the process 1100 processes that input at block 1114.As described above, a remote control device input may include adedicated key or a general input key, such as an arrow key, or other keyas appropriate for a given implementation.

At decision point 1116, the process 1100 makes a determination as towhether a repeated sequence of key inputs associated with navigating tospecific adjustable options associated with the media type currentlyaccessed has been detected. It is understood that the process 1100 mayiterate for a number of times until a repeated sequence is detected atdecision point 1116. As such, in response to determining that a repeatedsequence has not been detected, the process 1100 makes a determinationat decision point 1118 as to whether input processing has beencompleted. In response to determining that input processing has not beencompleted, the process 1100 returns to decision point 1112 to detect anditeratively process additional remote control device inputs.

Returning to the description of decision point 1116, in response todetermining that a repeated sequence of a remote control device inputkey has been detected, the process 1100 assigns one of the repeatedinput keys as a default remote control navigation key associated withdisplaying a portion of the full-screen content overlay menu associatedwith a current adjustable option at block 1120. The process 1100 returnsto decision point 1118 and iterates as described above. In response todetermining at decision point 1118 that input processing has beencompleted, the process 1100 returns to decision point 1104 to await anew remote control device input. It is understood that the processingdescribed above associated with determining a remote control devicetype, selecting a remote control input command map, and assigning aremote control input command from the command map as a default input maybe performed during a first execution of the process 1100 and may beomitted from subsequent executions of the process 1100. This processingis described in association with the process 1100 for clarity withrespect to this particular aspect.

As such, the process 1100 initially assigns a remote control inputcommand from a selected remote control input command map associated withthe remote control device for accessing an options menu. The process1100 detects repeated sequences of input keys for navigation to specificavailable adjustable options and assigns a single key as a defaultremote control navigation key for navigating to the associatedadjustable option. Though not depicted within FIG. 11 for ease ofillustration purposes, a display output may also be provided thatinforms the user of the assigned input key for the respective adjustableoption.

Thus, in accord with certain implementations, a method of dynamicallycreating a user interface output for a multiple media player deviceinvolves determining, via a multiple media player device, a media typecurrently associated with the multiple media player device; determininga current setting status associated with each of a plurality ofadjustable options associated with the determined media type;identifying a plurality of option icons that each represent one of theplurality of adjustable options; pairing each identified option iconwith the associated current setting status of each adjustable option;detecting a menuing input; displaying, over full-screen content on adisplay, an overlay user interface menu including a stack of at leasttwo of the paired identified option icons and the associated currentsetting statuses on a lower right area of the display proximate to avertical edge of the display; displaying a first control pane to a leftside of a bottom one of the stacked option icon and current settingstatus pairs including an adjustment control for a current settingstatus of the bottom one of the stacked option icon and current settingstatus pairs; detecting one of an up arrow key input and a down arrowkey input from a remote control device; and scrolling the stack ofoption icon and current setting status pairs vertically in a directionbased upon the one of the up arrow key input and down arrow key input.

In another implementation, a computer readable storage medium may storeinstructions which, when executed on one or more programmed processors,carry out a process of determining a media type currently associatedwith a multiple media player device; determining a current settingstatus associated with each of a plurality of adjustable optionsassociated with the determined media type; identifying a plurality ofoption icons that each represent one of the plurality of adjustableoptions; pairing each identified option icon with the associated currentsetting status of each adjustable option; detecting a menuing input;displaying, over full-screen content on a display, an overlay userinterface menu including a stack of at least two of the pairedidentified option icons and the associated current setting statuses on alower right area of the display proximate to a vertical edge of thedisplay; displaying a first control pane to a left side of a bottom oneof the stacked option icon and current setting status pairs including anadjustment control for a current setting status of the bottom one of thestacked option icon and current setting status pairs; detecting one ofan up arrow key input and a down arrow key input from a remote controldevice; and scrolling the stack of option icon and current settingstatus pairs vertically in a direction based upon the one of the uparrow key input and down arrow key input.

In another implementation, a method of dynamically creating a userinterface output for a multiple media player system involvesdetermining, via a multiple media player device, a media type currentlyassociated with the multiple media player device; determining a currentsetting status associated with each of a plurality of adjustable optionsassociated with the determined media type; identifying a plurality ofoption icons that each represents one of the plurality of adjustableoptions; pairing each identified option icon with the associated currentsetting status of each adjustable option; detecting a menuing input; anddisplaying, over full-screen content on a display, an overlay userinterface menu including only one option icon and the associated currentsetting status pair.

In certain implementations, the method of displaying, over thefull-screen content on the display, the overlay user interface menuincluding the only one option icon and the associated current settingstatus pair involves displaying the overlay user interface menu as astack of at least two of the paired identified option icons and theassociated current setting statuses proximate to a vertical edge of thedisplay. In certain implementations, the method of displaying theoverlay user interface menu as the stack of the at least two of thepaired identified option icons and the associated current settingstatuses proximate to the vertical edge of the display involvesdisplaying each of the paired identified option icons and the associatedcurrent setting statuses as translucent elements within a separatetranslucent graphical menu pane. In certain implementations, the methodfurther involves displaying at least two of the paired identified optionicons and the associated current setting statuses as a stack of optionicon and current setting status pairs; and displaying a first controlpane to a side of a bottom one of the stacked option icon and currentsetting status pairs including an adjustment control for a currentsetting status of the bottom one of the stacked option icon and currentsetting status pairs. In certain implementations, the method ofdisplaying at least two of the paired identified option icons and theassociated current setting statuses as the stack of option icon andcurrent setting status pairs involves displaying the stack of optionicon and current setting status pairs on a lower right area of thedisplay; and the method of displaying the first control pane to the sideof the bottom one of the stacked option icon and current setting statuspairs involves displaying the first control pane to a left side of thebottom one of the stacked option icon and current setting status pairs,forming a right angle between the stack of option icon and currentsetting status pairs and the first control pane. In certainimplementations, the method further involves detecting one of an uparrow key input and a down arrow key input from a remote control device;and scrolling the stack of option icon and current setting status pairsvertically in a direction based upon the one of the up arrow key inputand the down arrow key input. In certain implementations, the method ofscrolling the stack of option icon and current setting status pairsvertically in the direction based upon the one of the up arrow key inputand the down arrow key input involves wrapping the bottom one of thestacked option icon and current setting status pairs to a top of thestack of option icon and current setting status pairs; and shiftingremaining stacked option icon and current setting status pairs down. Incertain implementations, the method further involves displaying a secondcontrol pane to a side of a new bottom one of the stacked option iconand current setting status pairs including an adjustment control for acurrent setting status of the new bottom one of the stacked option iconand current setting status pair. In certain implementations, the methodfurther involves detecting an adjustment input associated with one ofthe displayed pairs of option icon and the associated current settingstatus; and adjusting the associated adjustable option based upon theadjustment input. In certain implementations, the method furtherinvolves determining an updated current setting status based upon theadjustment of the associated adjustable option; and updating the displayof the overlay user interface menu with the determined updated currentsetting status in response to the adjustment. In certainimplementations, the display includes a touchscreen display, and themethod of detecting the adjustment input associated with one of thedisplayed pair of option icon and the associated current setting statusinvolves detecting a touchscreen input in a display surface areaproximate to the displayed pair of option icon and the associatedcurrent setting status. In certain implementations, the method ofpairing each identified option icon with the associated current settingstatus of each adjustable option involves one of selecting and creatinga setting status icon for each associated current setting status; andpairing each identified option icon with the one of the selected andcreated setting status icon. In certain implementations, the currentsetting status paired with at least one identified option icon includesone of an enabled setting status and a disabled setting status; and themethod of displaying, over full-screen content on the display, theoverlay user interface menu including the only one option icon and theassociated current setting status pair involves, for the current settingstatus paired with the at least one identified option icon: displayingthe current setting status paired with the at least one identifiedoption icon as a green circular icon in response to determining thecurrent setting status is enabled; and displaying the current settingstatus associated with the at least one identified option icon as anon-colored circular icon in response to determining the current settingstatus is disabled. In certain implementations, the current settingstatus paired with at least one identified option icon includes one of aproportional setting status; and the method of displaying, overfull-screen content on the display, the overlay user interface menuincluding the only one option icon and the associated current settingstatus pair involves, for the current setting status paired with the atleast one identified option icon, displaying the current setting statuspaired with the at least one identified option icon as a numeralfollowed by a percent sign.

In another implementation, a computer readable storage medium may storeinstructions which, when executed on one or more programmed processors,carry out a process of determining a media type currently associatedwith a multiple media player device; determining a current settingstatus associated with each of a plurality of adjustable optionsassociated with the determined media type; identifying a plurality ofoption icons that each represents one of the plurality of adjustableoptions; pairing each identified option icon with the associated currentsetting status of each adjustable option; detecting a menuing input; anddisplaying, over full-screen content on a display, an overlay userinterface menu including only one option icon and the associated currentsetting status pair.

A multiple media player device, consistent with certain implementationshas a display; an input device; and a processor programmed to:determine, via the input device, a media type currently associated withthe multiple media player device; determine a current setting statusassociated with each of a plurality of adjustable options associatedwith the determined media type; identify a plurality of option iconsthat each represent one of the plurality of adjustable options; paireach identified option icon with the associated current setting statusof each adjustable option; detect a menuing input via the input device;display, over full-screen content on the display, an overlay userinterface menu including a stack of at least two of the pairedidentified option icons and the associated current setting statuses on alower right area of the display proximate to a vertical edge of thedisplay; display a first control pane to a left side of a bottom one ofthe stacked option icon and current setting status pairs including anadjustment control for a current setting status of the bottom one of thestacked option icon and current setting status pairs; detect one of anup arrow key input and a down arrow key input via the input device; andscroll the stack of option icon and current setting status pairsvertically in a direction based upon the one of the up arrow key inputand down arrow key input.

A multiple media player device, consistent with another implementationhas a display; an input device; and a processor programmed to:determine, via the input device, a media type currently associated withthe multiple media player device; determine a current setting statusassociated with each of a plurality of adjustable options associatedwith the determined media type; identify a plurality of option iconsthat each represent one of the plurality of adjustable options; paireach identified option icon with the associated current setting statusof each adjustable option; detect a menuing input via the input device;and display, over full-screen content on the display, an overlay userinterface menu including only one option icon and the associated currentsetting status pair.

In certain implementations, in being programmed to display, over thefull-screen content on the display, the overlay user interface menuincluding the only one option icon and the associated current settingstatus pair, the processor is programmed to display the overlay userinterface menu as a stack of at least two of the paired identifiedoption icons and the associated current setting statuses proximate to avertical edge of the display. In certain implementations, in beingprogrammed to display the overlay user interface menu as the stack ofthe at least two of the paired identified option icons and theassociated current setting statuses proximate to the vertical edge ofthe display, the processor is programmed to display each of the pairedidentified option icons and the associated current setting statuses astranslucent elements within a separate translucent graphical menu pane.In certain implementations, the processor is further programmed todisplay at least two of the paired identified option icons and theassociated current setting statuses as a stack of option icon andcurrent setting status pairs; and display a first control pane to a sideof a bottom one of the stacked option icon and current setting statuspairs including an adjustment control for a current setting status ofthe bottom one of the stacked option icon and current setting statuspairs. In certain implementations, in being programmed to display atleast two of the paired identified option icons and the associatedcurrent setting statuses as the stack of option icon and current settingstatus pairs, the processor is programmed to display the stack of optionicon and current setting status pairs on a lower right area of thedisplay; and in being programmed to display the first control pane tothe side of the bottom one of the stacked option icon and currentsetting status pairs, the processor is programmed to display the firstcontrol pane to a left side of the bottom one of the stacked option iconand current setting status pairs, forming a right angle between thestack of option icon and current setting status pairs and the firstcontrol pane. In certain implementations, the processor is furtherprogrammed to detect one of an up arrow key input and a down arrow keyinput from via the input device; and scroll the stack of option icon andcurrent setting status pairs vertically in a direction based upon theone of the up arrow key input and the down arrow key input. In certainimplementations, in being programmed to scroll the stack of option iconand current setting status pairs vertically in the direction based uponthe one of the up arrow key input and the down arrow key input, theprocessor is programmed to wrap the bottom one of the stacked optionicon and current setting status pairs to a top of the stack of optionicon and current setting status pairs; and shift remaining stackedoption icon and current setting status pairs down. In certainimplementations, the processor is further programmed to display a secondcontrol pane to a side of a new bottom one of the stacked option iconand current setting status pairs including an adjustment control for acurrent setting status of the new bottom one of the stacked option iconand current setting status pair. In certain implementations, theprocessor is further programmed to detect an adjustment input associatedwith one of the displayed pairs of option icon and the associatedcurrent setting status; and adjust the associated adjustable optionbased upon the adjustment input. In certain implementations, theprocessor is further programmed to determine an updated current settingstatus based upon the adjustment of the associated adjustable option;and update the display of the overlay user interface menu with thedetermined updated current setting status in response to the adjustment.In certain implementations, the display includes a touchscreen display,and, in being programmed to detect the adjustment input associated withone of the displayed pair of option icon and the associated currentsetting status, the processor is programmed to detect a touchscreeninput in a display surface area proximate to the displayed pair ofoption icon and the associated current setting status. In certainimplementations, in being programmed to pairing each identified optionicon with the associated current setting status of each adjustableoption, the processor is programmed to one of select and create asetting status icon for each associated current setting status; and paireach identified option icon with the one of the selected and createdsetting status icon. In certain implementations, the current settingstatus paired with at least one identified option icon includes one ofan enabled setting status and a disabled setting status; and in beingprogrammed to display, over full-screen content on the display, theoverlay user interface menu including the only one option icon and theassociated current setting status pair, the processor is programmed to,for the current setting status paired with the at least one identifiedoption icon, display the current setting status paired with the at leastone identified option icon as a green circular icon in response todetermining the current setting status is enabled; and display thecurrent setting status associated with the at least one identifiedoption icon as a non-colored circular icon in response to determiningthe current setting status is disabled. In certain implementations, thecurrent setting status paired with at least one identified option iconincludes one of a proportional setting status; and in being programmedto display, over full-screen content on the display, the overlay userinterface menu including the only one option icon and the associatedcurrent setting status pair, the processor is programmed to, for thecurrent setting status paired with the at least one identified optionicon, display the current setting status paired with the at least oneidentified option icon as a numeral followed by a percent sign.

While certain embodiments herein were described in conjunction withspecific circuitry that carries out the functions described, otherembodiments are contemplated in which the circuit functions are carriedout using equivalent elements executed on one or more programmedprocessors. General purpose computers, microprocessor based computers,micro-controllers, optical computers, analog computers, dedicatedprocessors, application specific circuits and/or dedicated hard wiredlogic and analog circuitry may be used to construct alternativeequivalent embodiments. Other embodiments could be implemented usinghardware component equivalents such as special purpose hardware,dedicated processors or combinations thereof.

Certain embodiments may be implemented using one or more programmedprocessors executing programming instructions that in certain instancesare broadly described above in flow chart form that can be stored on anysuitable electronic or computer readable storage medium (such as, forexample, disc storage, Read Only Memory (ROM) devices, Random AccessMemory (RAM) devices, network memory devices, optical storage elements,magnetic storage elements, magneto-optical storage elements, flashmemory, core memory and/or other equivalent volatile and non-volatilestorage technologies). However, those skilled in the art willappreciate, upon consideration of the present teaching, that theprocesses described above can be implemented in any number of variationsand in many suitable programming languages without departing fromembodiments of the present invention. For example, the order of certainoperations carried out can often be varied, additional operations can beadded or operations can be deleted without departing from certainembodiments of the invention. Error trapping can be added and/orenhanced and variations can be made in user interface and informationpresentation without departing from certain embodiments of the presentinvention. Such variations are contemplated and considered equivalent.

While certain illustrative embodiments have been described, it isevident that many alternatives, modifications, permutations andvariations will become apparent to those skilled in the art in light ofthe foregoing description.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of dynamically creating a user interfaceoutput for a multiple media player device, comprising: determining, viaa multiple media player device, a media type currently associated withand playing on the multiple media player device; upon determining themedia type, determining a current setting status associated with each ofa plurality of adjustable options associated with the determined mediatype currently associated with and playing on the multiple media playerdevice; identifying a plurality of option icons that each represent oneof the plurality of adjustable options; pairing each identified optionicon with the associated current setting status of each adjustableoption, with each identified option icon and the associated currentsetting status of each identified option icon being paired together fordisplay in a plurality of associated menu panes; detecting a firstmenuing input; responsive to detecting the first menuing input,displaying, over full-screen content on a display, an overlay userinterface menu comprising only one option icon representing one of theplurality of adjustable options, where the icon's associated currentsetting status paired in its associated menu pane, on a lower right areaof the display proximate to a vertical edge of the display; detecting asecond menuing input; responsive to detecting the second menuing input,displaying over full-screen content on the display an overlay userinterface menu comprising a stack of at least two of the pairedidentified option icons along the vertical edge of the display withintheir associated menu panes; displaying a first control pane to a leftside of a bottom one of the stacked option icon and current settingstatus pairs comprising an adjustment control for a current settingstatus of the bottom one of the stacked option icon and current settingstatus pairs, where only the bottom one of the stacked option icon andassociated current setting status in the associated menu pane and theassociated current adjustment control pane are displayed; detecting oneof an up arrow key input and a down arrow key input from a remotecontrol device; and scrolling the stack of menu panes each containingthe option icon and current setting status pairs vertically in adirection based upon the one of the up arrow key input and down arrowkey input, where a current adjustment control pane is only displayed forthe bottom one of the menu panes associated with the stacked option iconand the option icon's current setting status as the stack of menu panesis scrolled.
 2. A non-transitory computer readable storage mediumstoring instructions which, when executed on one or more programmedprocessors, carry out a method of dynamically creating a user interfaceoutput for a multiple media player device, comprising: determining, viaa multiple media player device, a media type currently associated withand playing on the multiple media player device; upon determining themedia type, determining a current setting status associated with each ofa plurality of adjustable options associated with the determined mediatype currently associated with and playing on the multiple media playerdevice; identifying a plurality of option icons that each represent oneof the plurality of adjustable options; pairing each identified optionicon with the associated current setting status of each adjustableoption, with each identified option icon and the associated currentsetting status of each identified option icon being paired together fordisplay in a plurality of associated menu panes; detecting a firstmenuing input; responsive to detecting the first menuing input,displaying, over full-screen content on a display, an overlay userinterface menu comprising only one option icon representing one of theplurality of adjustable options, where the icon's associated currentsetting status paired in its associated menu pane, on a lower right areaof the display proximate to a vertical edge of the display; detecting asecond menuing input; responsive to detecting the second menuing input,displaying over full-screen content on the display an overlay userinterface menu comprising a stack of at least two of the pairedidentified option icons along the vertical edge of the display withintheir associated menu panes; displaying a first control pane to a leftside of a bottom one of the stacked option icon and current settingstatus pairs comprising an adjustment control for a current settingstatus of the bottom one of the stacked option icon and current settingstatus pairs, where only the bottom one of the stacked option icon andassociated current setting status in the associated menu pane and theassociated current adjustment control pane are displayed; detecting oneof an up arrow key input and a down arrow key input from a remotecontrol device; and scrolling the stack of menu panes each containingthe option icon and current setting status pairs vertically in adirection based upon the one of the up arrow key input and down arrowkey input, where a current adjustment control pane is only displayed forthe bottom one of the menu panes associated with the stacked option iconand the option icon's current setting status as the stack of menu panesis scrolled.
 3. A method of dynamically creating a user interface outputfor a multiple media player system, comprising: determining, via amultiple media player device, a media type currently associated with andplaying on the multiple media player device; upon determining the mediatype, determining a current setting status associated with each of aplurality of adjustable options associated with the determined mediatype currently associated with and playing on the multiple media playerdevice; identifying a plurality of option icons that each represents oneof the plurality of adjustable options; pairing each identified optionicon with the associated current setting status of each adjustableoption, with each identified option icon and the associated currentsetting status of each identified option icon being paired together fordisplay in a plurality of associated menu panes; detecting a firstmenuing input; displaying, over full-screen content on a display, anoverlay user interface menu comprising only one option icon representingone of the plurality of adjustable options and the associated currentsetting status paired in its associated menu pane; detecting a secondmenuing input; displaying the overlay user interface menu as a stack ofat least two of the paired identified option icons and the associatedcurrent setting statuses proximate to a vertical edge of the displaywithin their associated menu panes; and displaying a first control paneto a side of a bottom one of the stacked option icon and current settingstatus pairs comprising an adjustment control for a current settingstatus of the bottom one of the stacked option icon and current settingstatus pairs, where only the bottom one of the stacked option icon andassociated current setting status in the associated menu pane and theassociated current adjustment control pane are displayed.
 4. The methodaccording to claim 3, where: displaying at least two of the pairedidentified option icons and the associated current setting statuses asthe stack of option icon and current setting status pairs comprisesdisplaying the stack of option icon and current setting status pairs ona lower right area of the display; and displaying the first control paneto the side of the bottom one of the stacked option icon and currentsetting status pairs comprises displaying the first control pane to aleft side of the bottom one of the stacked option icon and currentsetting status pairs, forming a right angle between the stack of optionicon and current setting status pairs and the first control pane.
 5. Themethod according to claim 3, further comprising: detecting one of an uparrow key input and a down arrow key input from a remote control device;and scrolling the stack of menu panes each containing the option iconand current setting status pairs vertically in a direction based uponthe one of the up arrow key input and the down arrow key input, where acurrent adjustment control pane is only displayed for the bottom one ofthe menu panes associated with the stacked option icon and the optionicon's current setting status as the stack of menu panes is scrolled. 6.The method according to claim 5, where scrolling the stack of optionicon and current setting status pairs vertically in the direction basedupon the one of the up arrow key input and the down arrow key inputcomprises: wrapping the bottom one of the stacked option icon andcurrent setting status pairs to a top of the stack of option icon andcurrent setting status pairs; and shifting remaining stacked option iconand current setting status pairs down.
 7. The method according to claim6, further comprising displaying a second control pane to a side of anew bottom one of the stacked option icon and current setting statuspairs comprising an adjustment control for a current setting status ofthe new bottom one of the stacked option icon and current setting statuspair.
 8. The method according to claim 3, further comprising: detectingan adjustment input associated with one of the displayed pairs of optionicon and the associated current setting status; and adjusting theassociated adjustable option based upon the adjustment input.
 9. Themethod according to claim 8, further comprising: determining an updatedcurrent setting status based upon the adjustment of the associatedadjustable option; and updating the display of the overlay userinterface menu with the determined updated current setting status inresponse to the adjustment.
 10. The method according to claim 8, wherethe display comprises a touchscreen display, and detecting theadjustment input associated with one of the displayed pair of optionicon and the associated current setting status comprises detecting atouchscreen input in a display surface area proximate to the displayedpair of option icon and the associated current setting status.
 11. Themethod according to claim 3, where pairing each identified option iconwith the associated current setting status of each adjustable optioncomprises: one of selecting and creating a setting status icon for eachassociated current setting status; and pairing each identified optionicon with the one of the selected and created setting status icon. 12.The method according to claim 3, where: the current setting statuspaired with at least one identified option icon comprises one of anenabled setting status and a disabled setting status; and displaying,over full-screen content on the display, the overlay user interface menucomprising the only one option icon and the associated current settingstatus pair comprises, for the current setting status paired with the atleast one identified option icon: displaying the current setting statuspaired with the at least one identified option icon as a green circularicon in response to determining the current setting status is enabled;and displaying the current setting status associated with the at leastone identified option icon as a non-colored circular icon in response todetermining the current setting status is disabled.
 13. The methodaccording to claim 3, where: the current setting status paired with atleast one identified option icon comprises one of a proportional settingstatus; and displaying, over full-screen content on the display, theoverlay user interface menu comprising the only one option icon and theassociated current setting status pair comprises, for the currentsetting status paired with the at least one identified option icon,displaying the current setting status paired with the at least oneidentified option icon as a numeral followed by a percent sign.
 14. Anon-transitory computer readable storage medium storing instructionswhich, when executed on one or more programmed processors, carry out amethod of dynamically creating a user interface output for a multiplemedia player system, comprising: determining, via a multiple mediaplayer device, a media type currently associated with and playing on themultiple media player device; upon determining the media type,determining a current setting status associated with each of a pluralityof adjustable options associated with the determined media typecurrently associated with and playing on the multiple media playerdevice; identifying a plurality of option icons that each represents oneof the plurality of adjustable options; pairing each identified optionicon with the associated current setting status of each adjustableoption, with each identified option icon and the associated currentsetting status of each identified option icon being paired together fordisplay in a plurality of associated menu panes; detecting a firstmenuing input; displaying, over full-screen content on a display, anoverlay user interface menu comprising only one option icon representingone of the plurality of adjustable options and the associated currentsetting status paired in its associated menu pane; detecting a secondmenuing input; displaying the overlay user interface menu as a stack ofat least two of the paired identified option icons and the associatedcurrent setting statuses proximate to a vertical edge of the displaywithin their associated menu panes; and displaying a first control paneto a side of a bottom one of the stacked option icon and current settingstatus pairs comprising an adjustment control for a current settingstatus of the bottom one of the stacked option icon and current settingstatus pairs, where only the bottom one of the stacked option icon andassociated current setting status in the associated menu pane and theassociated current adjustment control pane are displayed.
 15. A multiplemedia player device, comprising: a display; an input device; and aprocessor programmed to: determine, via the input device, a media typecurrently associated with and playing on the multiple media playerdevice; upon determining the media type, determine a current settingstatus associated with each of a plurality of adjustable optionsassociated with the determined media type currently associated with andplaying on the multiple media player device; identify a plurality ofoption icons that each represent one of the plurality of adjustableoptions; pair each identified option icon with the associated currentsetting status of each adjustable option, with each identified optionicon and the associated current setting status of each identified optionicon being paired together for display in a plurality of associated menupanes; detect a first menuing input via the input device; responsive todetecting the first menuing input, display, over full-screen content onthe display, an overlay user interface menu comprising only one optionicon representing one of the plurality of adjustable options, where theicon's associated current setting status paired in its associated menupane, on a lower right area of the display proximate to a vertical edgeof the display; detect a second menuing input; responsive to detectingthe second menuing input, display over full-screen content on thedisplay an overlay user interface menu comprising a stack of at leasttwo of the paired identified option icons along the vertical edge of thedisplay within their associated menu panes; display a first control paneto a left side of a bottom one of the stacked option icon and currentsetting status pairs comprising an adjustment control for a currentsetting status of the bottom one of the stacked option icon and currentsetting status pairs, where only the bottom one of the stacked optionicon and associated current setting status in the associated menu paneand the associated current adjustment control pane are displayed; detectone of an up arrow key input and a down arrow key input via the inputdevice; and scroll the stack of menu panes each containing the optionicon and current setting status pairs vertically in a direction basedupon the one of the up arrow key input and down arrow key input, where acurrent adjustment control pane is only displayed for the bottom one ofthe menu panes associated with the stacked option icon and the optionicon's current setting status as the stack of menu panes is scrolled.16. A multiple media player device, comprising: a display; an inputdevice; and a processor programmed to: determine, via the input device,a media type currently associated with the multiple media player device;upon determining the media type, determine a current setting statusassociated with each of a plurality of adjustable options associatedwith the determined media type currently associated with and playing onthe multiple media player device; identify a plurality of option iconsthat each represent one of the plurality of adjustable options; paireach identified option icon with the associated current setting statusof each adjustable option, with each identified option icon and theassociated current setting status of each identified option icon beingpaired together for display in a plurality of associated menu panes;detect a first menuing input via the input device; display, overfull-screen content on the display, an overlay user interface menucomprising only one option icon and the associated current settingstatus pair; display the overlay user interface menu as a stack of atleast two of the menu panes containing the paired identified optionicons and the associated current setting statuses proximate to avertical edge of the display; and display a first control pane to a sideof a bottom one of the stacked option icon and current setting statuspairs comprising an adjustment control for a current setting status ofthe bottom one of the stacked option icon and current setting statuspairs, where only the bottom one of the stacked option icon andassociated current setting status in the associated menu pane and theassociated current adjustment control pane are displayed.
 17. Themultiple media player device according to claim 16, where, in beingprogrammed to display the overlay user interface menu as the stack ofthe at least two of the paired identified option icons and theassociated current setting statuses proximate to the vertical edge ofthe display, the processor is programmed to: display each of the pairedidentified option icons and the associated current setting statuses astranslucent elements within a separate translucent graphical menu pane.18. The multiple media player device according to claim 16, where, inbeing programmed to: display at least two of the paired identifiedoption icons and the associated current setting statuses as the stack ofoption icon and current setting status pairs, the processor isprogrammed to display the stack of option icon and current settingstatus pairs on a lower right area of the display; and display the firstcontrol pane to the side of the bottom one of the stacked option iconand current setting status pairs, the processor is programmed to displaythe first control pane to a left side of the bottom one of the stackedoption icon and current setting status pairs, forming a right anglebetween the stack of option icon and current setting status pairs andthe first control pane.
 19. The multiple media player device accordingto claim 16, where the processor is further programmed to: detect one ofan up arrow key input and a down arrow key input from via the inputdevice; and scroll the stack of option icon and current setting statuspairs vertically in a direction based upon the one of the up arrow keyinput and the down arrow key input.
 20. The multiple media player deviceaccording to claim 19, where, in being programmed to scroll the stack ofoption icon and current setting status pairs vertically in the directionbased upon the one of the up arrow key input and the down arrow keyinput, the processor is programmed to: wrap the bottom one of thestacked option icon and current setting status pairs to a top of thestack of option icon and current setting status pairs; and shiftremaining stacked option icon and current setting status pairs down. 21.The multiple media player device according to claim 20, where theprocessor is further programmed to display a second control pane to aside of a new bottom one of the stacked option icon and current settingstatus pairs comprising an adjustment control for a current settingstatus of the new bottom one of the stacked option icon and currentsetting status pair.
 22. The multiple media player device according toclaim 16, where the processor is further programmed to: detect anadjustment input associated with one of the displayed pairs of optionicon and the associated current setting status; and adjust theassociated adjustable option based upon the adjustment input.
 23. Themultiple media player device according to claim 22, where the processoris further programmed to: determine an updated current setting statusbased upon the adjustment of the associated adjustable option; andupdate the display of the overlay user interface menu with thedetermined updated current setting status in response to the adjustment.24. The multiple media player device according to claim 22, where thedisplay comprises a touchscreen display, and, where in being programmedto detect the adjustment input associated with one of the displayed pairof option icon and the associated current setting status, the processoris programmed to detect a touchscreen input in a display surface areaproximate to the displayed pair of option icon and the associatedcurrent setting status.
 25. The multiple media player device accordingto claim 16, where, in being programmed to pairing each identifiedoption icon with the associated current setting status of eachadjustable option, the processor is programmed to: one of select andcreate a setting status icon for each associated current setting status;and pair each identified option icon with the one of the selected andcreated setting status icon.
 26. The multiple media player deviceaccording to claim 16, where: the current setting status paired with atleast one identified option icon comprises one of an enabled settingstatus and a disabled setting status; and in being programmed todisplay, over full-screen content on the display, the overlay userinterface menu comprising the only one option icon and the associatedcurrent setting status pair, the processor is programmed to, for thecurrent setting status paired with the at least one identified optionicon: display the current setting status paired with the at least oneidentified option icon as a green circular icon in response todetermining the current setting status is enabled; and display thecurrent setting status associated with the at least one identifiedoption icon as a non-colored circular icon in response to determiningthe current setting status is disabled.
 27. The multiple media playerdevice according to claim 16, where: the current setting status pairedwith at least one identified option icon comprises one of a proportionalsetting status; and in being programmed to display, over full-screencontent on the display, the overlay user interface menu comprising theonly one option icon and the associated current setting status pair, theprocessor is programmed to, for the current setting status paired withthe at least one identified option icon, display the current settingstatus paired with the at least one identified option icon as a numeralfollowed by a percent sign.